Mowing machine with improved cutting plate connection system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a combined mowing machine, preferably but not necessarily the folding type, in particular for gardening, which comprises a main chassis designed to be coupled to a tractor, and a plurality of cutting plates connected in such a way that they can oscillate on the said chassis; each set of cutting plates presents a plate support beam mounted between a pair of end plates fixed to the chassis, and a pin integral with the said beam slides in two slots cut into the said end plates to allow the said movements of the cutting plate.  
     The mowing machine in accordance with the invention allows more accurate mowing due to the overlap of the blades and the fact that the cutting plates can oscillate freely in order to follow the lie of the land perfectly, as a result of the double-joint oscillation and the possibility of forward/back oscillation in the slot.

[0001] This invention relates to a combined mowing machine, preferably but not necessarily the folding type, in particular for gardening, which features an improved cutting plate connection system. In particular, the mowing machine in accordance with the invention comprises a main chassis designed to be coupled to a tractor, and a plurality of cutting plates connected in such a way that they can oscillate on the said chassis; each set of cutting plates presents a plate support beam mounted between a pair of end plates fixed to the chassis, and a pin integral with the said beam slides in two slots cut into the said end plates to allow the said movements of the cutting plate.

[0002] The second joint is provided by the hinge that connects the telescopic arms to the chassis. The invention is characterised by the configuration of these cutting plate connection devices, which are more practical to use than known types, as they allow the plate to rise, fall and oscillate freely with no risk of jamming, and the coupling system is easily and quickly fitted. The telescopic arms of the side wings also allow greater or lesser overlap of the cutting blades between the side and central units. The invention, which falls into the gardening sector, relates to a combined mowing machine of the type which comprises a chassis-trailer designed to be coupled to a tractor towbar, and a set of cutting plates, each constituted by a set of three blades made to rotate around a substantially vertical shaft; the said cutting plates are attached to frames which are connected to the main chassis-trailer in such a way that they can oscillate laterally and backwards/forwards and perform large upward and downward movements.

[0003] A transmission system of known type, with angle transmission and cardan shafts, moves the cutting parts, transferring motion from the power takeoff of the tractor.

[0004] Mowing machines of this kind are already known, and are mainly used for maintenance of large grassed areas such as sports fields, golf courses, garden lawns and the like.

[0005] The fact that the cutting parts are divided between a number of end plates hinged to the same chassis-trailer means that the machine follows the undulations of the ground better, because the various end plates move in accordance with the lie of the land, leading to partial overlap of the cutting blades.

[0006] The present invention, which falls into this sector, is designed to eliminate the drawbacks described above; for this purpose it proposes a mowing machine in which each cutting plate is fitted with a pin that slides inside a pair of end plates fixed to the telescopic arms of the chassis-trailer, and presents two appendices which are inserted into two slots cut into the end plates.

[0007] Thus all the moving parts are located between the two end plates, consequently allowing elimination of the heads of the pins which, when sliding in contact with the surface of the corresponding supports, would cause the drawbacks referred to above.

[0008] This invention will now be described in detail, by way of example but not of limitation, with reference to the annexed figures in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a mowing machine in accordance with the invention, seen from above, as a whole

[0010]FIG. 2 is a side view of the mowing machine in accordance with the invention

[0011]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the system whereby the cutting plates are connected to the main chassis.

[0012] By reference to FIG. 1, a mowing machine in accordance with the invention comprises a main chassis-trailer 1 designed to be coupled to a towing vehicle such as a tractor, with a set of cutting plates, in this specific case three, indicated by numbers 2, 3 and 4.

[0013] A cardan shaft 5 derives motion from the power takeoff of the tractor, and transmits it via suitable transmissions 6 to each of the cutting plates.

[0014] Each cutting plate comprises a frame 7 fitted with four wheels 8, the cutting parts, not shown in the figure, being fitted to the said frame.

[0015] Frame 7 is fitted to a support constituted by a beam indicated as 9, which is more clearly shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] Beam 9 presents a pair of plates 10 at the ends, which said plates contain holes 11 for the fixing screws of cutting plate frame 7.

[0017] A bushing 12, into which a pin 13 is inserted, is welded to the central part of beam 9.

[0018] Pin 13 is manufactured in such a way that it has the greatest diameter 14 in the central area and a width equal to bushing 12, while the diameter of the pin is reduced at the two ends 15 to allow fixing of end plates 16. Beam 9 with pin 13 is fitted on a support constituted by a pair of end plates 16, which present lateral stiffening ribs or wings 17 that are secured with bolts 18 to main chassis 1.

[0019] Each end plate contains a slot 19 in a substantially vertical position.

[0020] Pin 13 is fitted to beam 9 with the central part 14 inserted into ring 12 and the end studs 15 protruding from opposite sides.

[0021] End plates 16 are fitted over these studs, possibly with the interposition of washers 20, with studs 15 inserted into slots 19 in the end plates.

[0022] The end plates are secured to chassis 1 with bolts 18.

[0023] Advantageously, the length of body 14 of the pin is equal to the width of chassis 1 on which end plates 16 are fitted.

[0024] Thus pin 13 remains between end plates 16, with studs 15 inserted into slots 19 which act as a guide, while the body of the pin is retained in position by end plates 16.

[0025] The pin can then slide vertically in slots 19, and at the same time rotate around its own axis, thus allowing beam 9 and the cutting plate fixed to the said beam to rise and rotate in order to follow the lie of the land. This provides a far more practical connection than the known type, because the moving parts, basically consisting of the pin and studs 15, remain between end plates 16, with no external elements that slide in contact with the frame, involving the risk of jamming and wear on the paintwork. The device is also very simple to assemble, as it is sufficient to insert the pin into ring-shaped support 12, fit the end plates over the two studs 15 and then connect the end plates with the cutting plate to chassis 1, securing them with bolts 18.

[0026] Wings 17 of end plates 16 make the structure more rigid.

[0027] In conclusion, the mowing machine in accordance with the invention allows more accurate mowing due to the overlap of the blades and the fact that the cutting plates can oscillate freely in order to follow the lie of the land perfectly, as a result of the doublejoint oscillation and the possibility of forward/back oscillation in the slot.

[0028] The size of the mower and the materials used can obviously be varied to meet operational requirements. 

1) A mowing machine of the type comprising a main chassis designed to be coupled to a tractor, and three cutting plates connected in such a way that they can oscillate and slide in relation to the said chassis, wherein each cutting plate presents a support beam mounted between a pair of end plates fixed to the main chassis, which said beam is fitted with a pin, the ends of which slide in two slots cut into the said end plates. 2) A mowing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said pin comprises a body of the same length as the distance between the said end plates, and a pair of studs projecting from opposite sides of the pin which are inserted into the said slots of the said end plates, the diameter of the said central body being greater than the width of the said slots. 3) A mowing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the side edges of the said end plates are folded outwards to form stiffening ribs. 4) Mowing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the said end plates are bolted to the main chassis. 